Does National require an IDP in Samoa?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Samoa: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and a local temporary permit may be required.
In Samoa specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Samoa ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Apia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.
National runs a global network; at its Samoa desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Samoa drives on the left, uses the WST, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the National counter in Samoa
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the WST deposit; Samoa drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Samoa National renters should know
- Drive on the left (since 2009).
- Low speed limits in villages.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Watch for pedestrians and pigs on roads.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Samoa
Samoa has no toll roads, vignettes or electronic tolls; all roads on Upolu and Savai'i are free to use.
There are no paid metered zones; parking in Apia is free but limited along Beach Road and at the market, so use off-street lots, and avoid blocking village access roads where local rules and fines apply.
Speed limits are 40 km/h in towns/villages and 56 km/h on the open road; seatbelts are compulsory and handheld phone use is banned, with police issuing fines that rental firms pass on to the renter. Speeding through villages draws particular enforcement.
Dial 911 for police, ambulance or fire (+685 911 from a mobile); for any injury or significant damage stop, do not move vehicles, and report to police, as a report is required and at-fault liability can be taken seriously in villages.
Full driving guide for Samoa →